The 2019 Airshow Calendar is Full of Feats of Flying
Do you love watching planes perform gravity-defying rolls, loops, twists? Does the roar of jet engines make your heart race? Do like speed? If you this sounds like you, you’re not alone. Check out the 2019 airshow calendar. There’s nothing like experiencing one of these adrenaline-inducing event to celebrate aviation and the men and women pilots.
According to the International Council of Air Shows, an estimated 10-12 million people will witness amazing feats of flying at one (or more) of the many airshows in North America.
At BuffPro, we are aviation enthusiasts and always look forward to local airshows that signal the start of the summer season. While there are plenty of great airshows to fill your calendar from May through November, and we’ve put together a list of our upcoming favorites from the Midwest with not-to-be-missed highlights.
Cape Girardeau Air Festival
May 18-19 ● Gates open at 9 a.m. ● Show starts at 11:30 a.m. ● Admission – visit website for ticket prices
Established in 1995, the Cape Girardeau Air Festival touts itself as one of the best airshow in the Midwest. The Blue Angels of the United States Navy and Marine Corps will demonstrate pulse-pounding maneuvers in their FA-18 Hornets and the U.S. Army’s Golden Knights Parachute Team will put on aerial demonstrations. Civilian airshow pilots like Skip Stewart and Joe Shetterly will showcase their skill behind the stick as they perform aerobatics.
If you’re a speed lover behind the wheel, Precision Exotics will offer attendees the opportunity to book rides in some of the most sought-after exotic cars like Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Porsche.
Salute to Veterans
May 25-26 ● Gates open at 9 a.m. ● Show starts at 11:30 a.m. ● Admission and Parking FREE
Next on our airshow calendar is the Salute to Veterans show. This year marks the 31st anniversary of the celebration. Featuring a one hour “Salute to the Nation,” attendees will hear our national anthem, a 21-gun salute, a reading of the 225 names on the Veterans Memorial at the courthouse, and a performance of “Taps.” Also, guests will see U.S. Army and Air Force Parachute Teams as well as routines from the Mizzou Joint Service Drill Team with cadets from the U.S. Army, Navy, and Air Force.
If you attend this airshow you will also see in action a WWII T-6 trainer (“Radial Velocity”), the Beechcraft T-6 Texan, Huey helicopter, Skyraider, the Lockheed T-33, and more.
Minnesota Air Spectacular
June 15-16 ● Admission – visit website for ticket prices
With the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds as a headliner, this adrenaline-rushing show promises to be fun for all ages! Guest will also see aerobatic performances from Mike Wiskus of Lucas Airshows, Kent Pietsch, Neal Darnell and Shockwave, John Klatt, and many more.
Vectren Dayton Airshow
June 22-23 ● Gates open at 9 a.m. ● Show starts at noon ● Admission – visit website for ticket prices
The Vectren Dayton airshow is an event for the whole family, from the breathtaking aerial maneuvers of the Air Force’s Thunderbirds to the Kids’ Hangar featuring a supersized sandbox and face painting.
If you ever dreamed of hopping aboard some of the U.S. Army’s most famous aircraft now is your chance. Airshow guests will have the opportunity to ride in Huey and Cobra helicopters.
Some of the coolest aircraft in the United States’ arsenal will also be on display for fans to check out including the A-10 and the P-8A Poseidon.
Fair St. Louis Airshow
July 4-6 ● Admission FREE
Billed as America’s biggest birthday party, Fair St. Louis features airshows during its three-day celebration. Attendees can expect to see the A-10 “Warthog” and the U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team as well as aerobatics from AeroShell, Jeff Boerboon, and others.
Chicago Air and Water Show
August 17-18 ● Hours 10 a.m.-3 p.m. ● Admission FREE
Chicago’s Air and Water Show is the largest free show of its kind in the United States and has been around for over 60 years. This year’s headliners include the U.S. Navy Blue Angels and the Royal Air Force Red Arrows.
Attendees will also see demonstrations from military parachute teams as well as from the F-22, Osprey, A-10 Thunderbolt II, and more. Civilian teams like Bill Stein, the Chicago Fire Department Air/Sea Rescue, Susan Dacy, the Firebirds (any many others) are scheduled to showcase their aircrafts’ unparalleled speed and maneuverability.
Spirit of St. Louis & STEM Expo
September 7-8 ● Hours 10 a.m.-3 p.m. ● Admission – visit website for ticket prices
The spirit of St. Louis airshow offers a dynamic roster of aerial performers. This year the U.S. Navy Blue Angels return to the show and are joined for the first time by the Royal Airforce jet team for an unprecedented Spirit of St. Louis Airshow.
Guests will also watch the Sky Soldiers perform a unique demonstration of aerial maneuvers in the AH-IF Cobra and UH-1 Huey helicopters. The Special Kay, a WWII aircraft used for counterinsurgency and special operations, is making its first appearance at the airshow.
If you are a fan of history and heritage, there will be an array of prop planes executing demonstrations including Aeroshell Aerobatic Team and the Texas Riders performing in the B-17G Flying Fortress.
Unlike other events on the 2019 airshow calendar, the Spirit of St. Louis show includes exhibits from companies specializing in STEM (science, technology, engineering, math).
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